After a 9-20 season, Adam Wardenburg was announced as the next Utah Tech University women’s basketball head coach April 20.
Wardenburg is the sixth women’s basketball coach since joining the NCAA in 2020. This follows the departure of former head coach JD Gustin. On April 2, the university announced he would not return to coach the team.
A press conference was held April 21 at the Clyde Lounge on the fourth floor of Greater Zion Stadium. Wardenburg, athletic director Ken Beazer, and associate athletic director Steve Johnson were on the stand to answer questions. In attendance were Wardenburg’s family, Utah Tech athletic staff and members of the public.
Beazer explained in the press conference that the hiring process moved “quickly, and very precise[ly], and a lot of things had to happen.”
He said the athletic department was getting tips from all over the country for potential head coaches. When Beazer had his first phone call with Wardenburg, he knew it wouldn’t be the last conversation with him. Beazer joked that Wardenburg having a son named Brooks was “meant to be.”
Qualities that stood out to Beazer about Wardenburg was his work ethic, integrity and light he brings to the program.
Wardenburg moved to St. George at a young age and enjoyed attending games at the then Dixie Junior College. He said his love for basketball came from watching basketball games at the Burns Arena.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled in this full circle moment to be the next head coach here,” Wardenburg said.
The NCAA athletic transfer portal closed April 21, giving him a day to reach out to athletes in the portal. Wardenburg is moving quickly with his coaching and roster decisions. He said he has one assistant coach on the way, and he has visits set for the upcoming week. Wardenburg said it’s about finding the right athletes who are a good fit for St. George.
“I’m so excited to build this program in the way I know it’s supposed to be,” Wardenburg said. “I’m going to assemble a roster who’s going to work hard, just like everybody in this community has.”
Wardenburg’s main pitch to recruits is the opportunity to help build a championship-level program at Utah Tech from the ground up.
Using his experience from the United States Air Force Academy and Utah Valley University athletic teams, he will implement a culture of hard work, dedication and the ability to handle high stake situations in real time.
Thirteen of the 16 Utah Tech athletic teams will be joining the Big Sky Conference, starting July 1. With this change, Wardenburg says he will start the athletes in the weight room.
Wardenburg admitted he doesn’t expect the team to win the Big Sky Conference every year, but he does expect his team to form a bond with each other.
“Our kids are going to play together, our staff is going to be together, and we need the community support that shows that and is representative of that,” Wardenburg said.
The women’s basketball team has a history of season-ending injuries. Wardenburg said he will work on consistency with strength coaches and trainers to help the athletes prevent injuries.
“Here we are with a chance to reset the identity of that league, and make a difference from the beginning,” Wardenburg said.
At the end of the press conference, Wardenburg brought his wife and four kids to the stand to introduce them to the community. He thanked his wife and kids for allowing him to accept this job.
